| . |
Just this December I went to Kansas City to visit a friend of mine. We had a good time and then later that night, a couple of girls from her church came over so her younger brother (who was fifteen) could teach them how to sing a Vietnamese song. This song that they were practicing was going to be performed for their church on Tet. Before they sang to my friend and I, I found out these girls spoke English perfectly, without an accent and could read and write in Vietnamese. As I stood there and watched them sing, I was overcome by a feeling of warmth and joy. It was cute to watch them mess up as they practiced, but I was so impressed by them. Why? You might ask. These girls were no more than ten years old, and as I watched them, I realized that these girls were going to grow up and be a major part of the future of the Vietnamese culture in this country. Being born here and as I turn 23 years old, I regret not being able to read and write fluently in Vietnamese or knowing as much about my culture and history as I should. I am also saddened to see that many of my comrades around me do not care and make no effort to better this situation. I understand that Vietnamese people in this country feel foreign to each other because of the culture and language barrier, but we should always make an effort to shorten that distance between each of us. We must understand that we do not have many chances to do this, so we must make the best of the things we do have. One of these wonderful things is the Vietnamese Student Association at Wichita State University. Every year a group of Vietnamese students get together and think of many ways they can assist Vietnamese students to better communicate, participate, and even become a better student. Beside this, they assist in the community and help the less fortunate. Sometimes these students and their accomplishments are overlooked or taken for granted. As you read this article, I would like to encourage you all to go to VSA's events which are scheduled throughout the year, and I challenge you to go to at least one of them if not all of them. The VSA this year has worked hard to be able to bring you this, and it is an opportunity, and even your duty to come and show your spirit and support. So please come and meet other students, their friends and families, and enjoy what the VSA has in store in this year's celebration as for the rest of the prosperous New Year. |